Forage chicory persists in combination with cool season grasses and legumes

Forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) was grown alone and in combination wi th various grasses and legumes for three production years to determine grow th, botanical composition, and persistence. Chicory mixed with grasses and legumes produced greater yields than chicory alone. Mixtures of orchardgras s (Dactylis glomerata L.) + white clover (Trifolium repens L.), timothy (Ph leum pratense L.) + alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and timothy + red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in combination with chicory produced the highest dr y matter yields. Persistence of chicory was adequate; it survived for three production years in the cold-winter region of Atlantic Canada. Including c hicory in grass/legume swards improved the seasonal distribution of herbage and increased late season production.